Save the Date!
April 11, 2026
Join us on beautiful Pensacola Beach for the annual DeLuna's Open Water Swim! Pick the .6, 1.2, or 2.4 miles swim to challenge your skill and speed. Swim in clean protected waters in the Santa Rosa Sound.
As legend has it. Don Tristan de Luna, a Spanish conquistador of the 16th century who led an ill-fated expedition to the Pensacola area in 1559, is credited as America's first settlement. Pensacola is rich in history and sports. A scroll of de Luna's was recently discovered in the sands of Pensacola Beach outlining a competitive open water swim they were planning. Unfortunately, a hurricane changed the course of Pensacola's history, wiping out the settlement, thus never allowing the swim to take place. Our event is an effort to continue what de Luna started. (some facts stated above are fictional)
This race is a stop on the Speedo SALT Series, hosted by Salty Sports Society.
Register for a chance to win a 2-night stay on Pensacola Beach!
Take your DeLuna's Open Water Swim experience to the next level! When you register for the race, you're not only committing to an unforgettable open-water swim, you're also entering for a chance to win a 2-night stay at the Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach!
All swimmers who register by February 15, 2026 will be automatically entered to win a 2-night stay at the Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach.
It's the perfect way to turn race weekend into a full Pensacola Beach experience. Whether you bring your family, friends, or celebrate solo, this is your chance to race hard and relax in coastal comfort.
How the Giveaway Works:
- Register for the Pensacola Beach Firefighters Challenge by February 15, 2026
- After completing registration, you'll receive a registration confirmation email
- That confirmation email means you are officially entered into the giveaway
- The drawing will take place on February 17, 2026
- The winner will be contacted on February 17 by the contact information provided during registration
- No extra steps. No additional forms. Just register and you're in!
🏊 Register now for DeLuna's Open Water Swim and you could be enjoying a beachfront stay that's as rewarding as your finish
Event Information
Friday, April 10, 2026
- 5 pm – 7 pm – athlete check-in
Pensacola Beach Pavilion (Gulf Side)
Check-in is part of the Pensacola Beach Firefighters Challenge check-in party.
Saturday, April 11, 2026
- 6:30 am to 7:30 am – Packet pick-up at Flounder’s Chowder House
- 7:30 am – Swimmer Safety Meeting and Swimmer Check-In (Mandatory)
Every swimmer must check in with the event starter prior to the race - 7:00 am – Water opens for warm-up Open Water Swim
- 8:00 am – 2.4 Mile Swim Begins
- 8:10 am – 1.2 Mile Swim Begins
- 8:20 am – .6 Mile Swim Begins
- 10:30 am – Awards Ceremony at Start Line
* Timeline subject to change depending on the number of teams and participants. The final timeline will be posted at the Team Check-In.
Participant check-in is on Friday, April 10 at the Pensacola Beach Pavilion (Gulfside) from 5p-7p. Check-in will also be available Friday, Aprill 10 at Fleet Feet Downtown Pensacola from 4p-6p.
Late registration will also be available if space remains.
The Pensacola Beach Firefighters Challenge opening night will be going on at the same time.
All swimmers will enter the water behind Flounders to the right of the pier.
The finish line is in the same area.
Each course is an out and back.
- Sprint (.6 miles): Must be 7 years old or over
- Short Swim (1.2 miles): Must be 9 years old or over
- Long Swim (2.4 miles): Must be 11 years old or over
- Overall Male 1.2 Miles
- Overall Female 1.2 Miles
- Overall Male 2.4 Miles
- Overall Female 2.4 Miles
Top 3 Male & Female Awards in the following categories:
- 19 & under
- 20 – 29
- 30 – 39
- 40 – 49
- 50 – 59
- 60 – 69
- 70 + up
Surf & Sand Hotel
Surf & Sand is conveniently located in the heart of Pensacola beach, steps away from dining, nightlife, and shopping. Enjoy complimentary kayaks, paddle boards, and beach cruisers, or hang out by our firepit on our private beach in Little Sabine Bay.
40 Fort Pickens Rd.
Pensacola Beach, FL. 32561
Rate: $179 plus taxes and fees
Includes breakfast
To book, call the property at 850.934.5400 and reference either DeLuna Swim or Firefighters Challenge.
Offer available until March 11th
Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach
12 Via De Luna Dr, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
Ph: 850.932.6800
Rates: $173(Inland)-$203(Gulf Front)
Full breakfast buffet included
Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach
14 Via De Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach, FL, 32561
Rates: $209.00-$229.00
850.-932-5331
Last day to book is March 11, 2026
Fairfield Inn& Suites Pensacola Beach
16 Via De Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach, FL, 32561
Ph: 850-932-1889
Rates: $209.00 (Inland)-$229.00(Beach Front)
Last Day to book is March 11, 2026
Breakfast Included and Waived Parking Fees
Book your group rate for DeLuna's Open Water Swim
The event will be wet suit legal if the water temperature is 78 or below. Regardless of wet suits or not, there will not be separate award categories.
#delunasbeachgames
Our Sponsors
Pensacola Sports is grateful for the support of its generous partners, sponsors and donors. Thank you for your commitment to growing Pensacola as a healthy place to live, work and play.
